St.

Stephen’s Episcopal
Church

1 9 0 Ra ughl e y Hi l l Rd.
Ha rri ngton, De l aw are
3 0 2 -39 8 -3 71 0
www.ststephensde.org

O ur Mi s s i on i s to grow a c ongre ga ti on tha t

w el c ome s a l l , to c ome toge the r to c e l e bra te
our be l i e f i n J es us Chri s t through bi bl i c a l
te a c hi ngs a nd pra ye r w hi l e s tri vi n g to a c hi e ve
a s pi r i tual c onnec ti on a nd fe l l ow shi p w i thi n i ts
m e m be r s hi p a nd c ommuni t y w e s er ve .

Holy Eucharist
Aug 27, 2023
th
13 Sunday after Pentecost
 Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
Processional Hymn- S t an d H 616

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us Pray.

The Collect:

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered

together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth
your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

The Lessons:

A Reading from Exodus 1: 8-2:10: Alyce Cooper

Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more
numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal
shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of
war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the
land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress
them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and
Rameses, for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the
more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came
to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians became ruthless in
imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter
with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of
field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they
imposed on them. The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew
midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other
Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and
see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a
girl, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God; they did
not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the
boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and
said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys
to live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew
women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are
vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people
multiplied and became very strong. And because the
midwives feared God, he gave them families. Then Pharaoh
commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the
Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every
girl live.” Now a man from the house of Levi went and
married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a
son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him
three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a
papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and
pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on
the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what
would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to
bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the
river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid
to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was
crying, and she took pity on him, “This must be one of the
Hebrews’ children,” she said. Then his sister said to
Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the
Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s
daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the
child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this
child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So
the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew
up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him
as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I
drew him out of the water.” The Word of the Lord! Thanks
be to God!

Psalm 124: Janet Voss

1 If the LORD had not been on our side, *

let Israel now say;
 2 If the LORD had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;
3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;
4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;
5 Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.
6 Blessed be the LORD! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler;
*
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the Name of the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

The Epistle- Romans 12: 1-8: Alyce Cooper

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies
of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of
God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the
grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of
yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think
with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith
that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many
members, and not all the members have the same function, so
we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually
we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ
according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to
faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the
exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in
diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. The Word of
the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Gospel Hymn- Stand H 686

The Gospel- Matthew 16: 13-20: Rev. Bruce Lomas

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

People: Glory to you Lord Christ

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he

asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man
is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others
Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He
said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter
answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of
Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but
my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this
rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not
prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of
heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in
heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell
anyone that he was the Messiah. The Gospel of the Lord!
Praise to you Lord Christ

Sermon Rev. Bruce Lomas

The Nicene Creed:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People- Form VI: Janet Voss

The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence
For all people in their daily life and work;

People-For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those

who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; We pray for those
in the Military: Christopher Dawson, Justin Garey, Jaime
Grimes, Justin R. Hudson, Russell Knaub, Amber Mabrey,
Jared Farmer, Bruce Carroll, Darren Hearn, and John Hearn.

People-For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;

People-For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and

oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; we pray
for the following:
Sick, and/or issues:
J ohn M acce y R egi na Mi l l er Bi l l S haw
Lex i M i l es S hi rl e y Bowden P aul a S wi ft
Em m a Fi s her Lori S cot t J ean Moss
Berni e Dupr as P rest on Bowden J im Fri el
Karen W ri ght Barb ara Faj no r Bri st ol Herd
M i chael C l ul e y Dorot h y Lom as D onal d Fr az i er
Nahei m S m i t h Don Hea rn

For Good Health in Older Years:

Mollie Revels

People-For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and

the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

People-For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the
Truth.

For [The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry our Presiding Bishop,

and The RT. Rev. Kevin S. Brown our Diocesan Bishop, Bruce
Lomas our Priest, Vestry Group: Viva, Connie, Lee, Alyce,
George, & Susan and the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer-St. James’
Church Mill Creek, Wilmington, The Rev. Reuben Rockwell
III, Rector and for all bishops and other ministers;

People-For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

Silence
The People may add their own petitions

Hear us, Lord;

People-For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. I ask your
thanksgiving for the:

Birthday of Mark Galipo

Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King;

People-And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, ___________________ they may

have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

People-Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Leader and People

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.

The Peace

All stand. The Celebrant says to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People- And also with you.

Offertory Hymn- Stand H 523

The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer A

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest,

faces them and sings or says

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.
Celebrant Life up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-
where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.

Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on

other occasions as appointed.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and

Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Celebrant and People

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel.

Then the Celebrant continues

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us

for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become
subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human
nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross,
and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice
for the whole world.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to

hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the
cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel
containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our

Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks
to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take,
eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the
remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in

this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death,
resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the

Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new
and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,
and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints
into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and
with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor
and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior

Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said

[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times

except during Easter Season. In place of, or in addition to, the
preceding, some other suitable anthem may be used. Facing the
people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

And may add- Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then

immediately deliver it to the people.

The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these
words

The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in

everlasting life. [Amen.]

or with these words

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Eternal God, heavenly Father,

you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing

Announcements

Recessional Hymn- Stand H 688

Dismissal

Alleluia, Alleluia, Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the

power of the Spirit! Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia
Announcements:
-Relay for Life- Many of you know that I have many friends
and family affected by cancer. This year our Relay for Life
Team (Sunshine 4-H) has been working hard to raise money to
help with cancer research. Our relay event will take place on
Sept. 9th in Georgetown. If you would like to donate, please see
me after church, or put in the church plate and please mark
Relay for Life on the envelope. I appreciate any support you
can give our team. Thanks Heather Crouse (Co-Captain)

-Church Convention– The church convention will take place

on Friday November 17 (Evening) and Saturday Nov. 18
(during the day) at University of Delaware, Clayton Hall in
Newark. We are looking for 2 Delegates and 2 Alternates to
attend this year. Please let Heather Crouse know by Sept. 10 if
you would like to attend.